David, God also LOVES to create new things and let them be to experience and express..

Merging is not the only path for all the things, even tough it could be the ultimate path for you and your teacher!

IMHO, everybody does not have the same path..

In terms of "control", it doesn't simply means to be able to create but also to be able to destroy (merge, transform, convert, re-process) the things that were created..

You say, "People who worry too much about being controlled are protecting their ego. After all--what is being "controlled"? An ego that is doomed to non-existence when the spiritual path is followed to it's ultimate end--merging with God".

Once again, if that is your path (to merge with God) that is just fine, but, to imply that it is also the path for all the other things seems like "ego" from your part!

IMHO, energy transformation, conversion and re-processing can also take place and are all alternatives in addition to full fusion or merging!